The long-term Reds target was subject of two failed bids of £10m and £12m in the summer transfer window but with relations between Everton and their former boss Moyes now strained, there will be no January move for the England star unless Moyes decides to spend big.

The question for Moyes is whether he considers paying £20m plus for a 28-year-old - who turns 29 next month - value for money, although his form for Everton continues to impress and he's a certainty to go the World Cup with England in Brazil next summer.